| MATCHUP | Providence Friars | St. John's Red Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 8-6 | 9-5 |
| Where | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | |
| When | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FOX | |
Providence Friars Betting Preview
The Providence Friars lost to Butler and Seton Hall, and they play UConn next. Providence has split its last 10 games.
The Providence Friars are averaging 89.8 points on 48.2 percent shooting and allowing 83.7 points on 43.2 percent shooting. Jason Edwards is averaging 18.5 points and 2.8 rebounds, while Jaylin Sellers is averaging 16.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. Stefan Vaaks is the third double-digit scorer and Jamier Jones is grabbing 3.4 rebounds. The Providence Friars are shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc and 79.1 percent from the free throw line. The Providence Friars are allowing 37.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 36.2 rebounds per game.
St. John’s Red Storm Betting Preview
The St. John’s Red Storm beat Harvard and Georgetown, and they play Butler next. St. John’s has won 5 of its last 6 games.
The St. John’s Red Storm are averaging 93.8 points on 47.2 percent shooting and allowing 78.7 points on 41.6 percent shooting. Zuby Ejiofor is averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds, while Bryce Hopkins is averaging 13.5 points and 2.7 assists. Ian Jackson is the third double-digit scorer and Oziyah Sellers is dishing 2.1 assists. The St. John’s Red Storm are shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and 74.5 percent from the free throw line. The St. John’s Red Storm are allowing 30.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38 rebounds per game.
Why the St. John’s Red Storm will win
- St. John’s has won each of its last 16 home games against Conference opponents.
- Providence has lost each of its last eight games against the Big East Conference.
- Providence has lost the first half in each of its last four day games against Conference opponents at Madison Square Garden.
Why the Providence Friars will win
- Providence has won six of its last eight day games at Madison Square Garden against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of St. John’s’ last 25 home games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 164 or fewer points.
- Thirty-four of Providence’s last 37 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 163 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- St. John’s ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (5.6).
- St. John’s ranks 36th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.3).
- Providence ranks 22nd among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (89.8).
- Providence ranks 25th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (31.3).
Providence vs St. John’s Prediction
Providence is capable of getting blown out, as this isn’t the best Providence team we’ve seen in recent years. However, it’s fair to say St. John’s took a step back from last season and is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games. The underdog has also covered 6 of its last 7 games between St. John’s and Providence. This feels like an ugly, physical Big East showdown early Saturday afternoon. While St. John’s could pull away, I’ll feel more comfortable with the points in my pocket. Give me Providence and the buckets.